Your Author Story

Want to know the biggest self-imposed roadblock authors face? It’s that small voice in your head that says, “Who are you to think you can write a book?”

Sound familiar? We all have that voice, so it can (and should) be ignored…at least when it comes to getting the words on paper. But that voice does bring up a great question: Who are you? And why should your ideal reader pay attention? Here’s the thing you must keep in mind: You have an important message that only you can share. We all do. It’s your job as the author to uncover your unique story and write your book from that point of view.

Get this right, and you’ll instantly and easily attract your perfect audience—those readers who “get” you and with whom your book will resonate. They’ll become raging fans who will help spread your message far and wide. But first you have to determine what your story is and why it matters.

Some examples of author story include:

The weight-loss coach who turned her life around by losing 75 pounds and now provides encouragement and support to women who struggle with their weight.

The business coach who struggled for years to get her own business off the ground, and who now has a unique ability to see past the roadblocks that hold her clients back.

The small business owner who discovered a powerful marketing method that tripled her income, and who wants to help other business owners thrive.

The examples given are for non-fiction, but fiction writers can use their stories, too. Hasn’t everyone heard the story of J.K. Rowling being on public assistance, before she wrote the first Harry Potter book? It is a rags-to-riches story that captures the imagination.

Your story can be one of dramatic change, or an internal mindset shift, or even a very personal “why” behind your passion. Whatever it is, it’s uniquely yours, and when you allow it to shine through in your book, you will instantly set yourself apart from the competition to reach your ideal audience.